CMV IgM

The CMV IgM Test is used to detect the presence of an infection caused by Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Many people have this virus but are unaware of it since they don't experience any symptoms. The disease doesn’t cause any problems for healthy people due to their strong immunity.

However, CMV might be a problem if you have weak immunity or are pregnant. A weak immune system can cause several symptoms and complications. People who have recently had a bone marrow or organ transplant are at maximum risk of contracting the disease since their immune system is already compromised.

Moreover, CMV is quite risky for people with HIV as well. It might give rise to an eye infection (retinitis), which can later cause permanent blindness. Retinitis, paired with CMV, is also called an AIDS-defining condition. CMV can also affect the brain, nerves, intestines, oesophagus, etc. and cause further complications.

There are three basic types of CMV infections:

• Congenital: Passed down from mother to child at birth.
• Primary: When someone contracts the CMV virus for the first time. 
• Reactivation: When the infection has been dormant for quite some time and reappears when your immune system is compromised. This can be due to a transplant, HIV, etc.

If you have CMV and you are about to give birth, there is a chance you might pass it on to your baby and the baby might be born with the following symptoms:

• Low birth weight 
• Enlarged spleen 
• Seizures
• Pneumonia 
• Premature birth
• Hearing loss
• Liver inflammation 
• Purple skin rashes or splotches
• Yellow skin and eyes
• Abnormally small head

In the case of primary or reactivation CMV, the onset of the disease is marked by the following symptoms:

• Muscle aches
• Fever 
• Fatigue
• Sore throat 
• Dry cough 
• Shortness of breath

Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive CMV IgM test to detect the presence of CMV in affected people.
You should undergo a diagnosis:

• If you have weakened immunity and feel that you are exhibiting the symptoms of CMV.
• If you have had a stem cell or organ transplant recently. 
• If you have a mononucleosis-like illness during pregnancy

Medically reviewed by Dr. Naveen Polavarapu, Gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad